Paul Dekker is an ex-painter who lead a double life as a master thief. He was blinded by a gunshot wound during a botched robbery. While in prison, he volunteered for an experimental procedure that would restore his vision. There was a side-effect, however: Even though he can see, he can only see in blinding, disorienting colors. This drove him insane, and he adopted the identity of Crazy-Quilt.